African Forest is the first habitat to be built as part of the new conservation zoo development at Bristol Zoo Project.
This will be the new home for Bristol’s much-loved troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas; Jock, Touni, Kera, Kala, Afia, Ayana, and toddlers, Hasani and Juni.
They will be joined by Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys in a UK zoo first for the two species.
African Forest will also become home to Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles, Endangered African grey parrots and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish, which visitors will be able to see in a special underwater viewing area. There will also be a learning and education space for all to enjoy.
Thanks to key supporters, work on this new habitat is under away. But we need your help to raise £100,000 to support this phase of the development and further enable our teams to safeguard the future of these precious species in the wild.
“This new environment will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world.” Chief Executive Justin Morris.
The difference you can make
All contributions, however big or small, will make a difference and help create this incredible new habitat for some of the world’s most threatened species.
Who are we?
Bristol Zoological Society is a conservation and education charity that works around the world. Our mission is “Saving Wildlife Together”.
We save wildlife together through conservation science research, working to protect species and habitats overseas, encouraging sustainable behaviours and perceptions, educating tomorrow’s wildlife warriors and connecting people with nature through a great day out.
Our conservation science efforts are worldwide, from helping to re-introduce white-clawed crayfish into UK rivers to working with communities in the Philippines to save the Critically Endangered Negros bleeding-heart dove.
We're building a new modern zoo for the 21st century that focuses on conservation, education, and is an amazing day out. We'll create new environments for animals that better reflect their natural habitats, exciting new areas, and a new visitor centre. A conservation campus will be at the heart of the zoo, where you'll be able to see conservation work in action, breeding endangered species, veterinary procedures, and we'll have more space to teach schools and our higher education students, creating the conservationists of the future.
Find out more about our Strategy to 2035 here.
Rewards
We have a range of rewards for you to choose from to thank you for your donation, from special videos featuring the gorillas and gorilla prints, to behind-the-scenes tours and talks, please have a look and support at a level of your choosing.
Find out more about our new conservation zoo

Creating Central African Forest in the South West of England - We’re undergoing a hugely exciting project to bring Equatorial Guinea to Bristol Zoo Project, with a new habitat opening in 2026.
News on the African Forest habitat - An update on the African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, which will house several species of threatened animals.
All donations made to our African Forest appeal will go towards the creation of our African Forest Habitat. If we are fortunate enough to meet our appeal target of £100,000, all donations over this amount will be put towards Bristol Zoological Society's conservation work, so you can be sure your donation is going where it is most needed.
Drone footage credit: dronepilot23 (@dronepilot23yt)